Whenever we go out (like last night for karaoke) I have noticed I always set a plan with my partner after checking out the layout of where we are that night. I plan things like what we would do if seperated and what I would want him to do in case of an armed assailant. I decide where I would like him to go and tell him to do so immedialtely if I tell him to make himself scarce,

I find that since I have started carrying I do this even more. I check for where I feel he would be safest if I engaged someone, where the fire exits are located, and where available cover would be for myself. I will never sit with my back to a door in a bar or restaraunt (that word again) which drives my business partner crazy.

When walking down city streets I make sure I am the one on the inside closer to alleys and doorways and I always tell my partner that if I say run, just run and go to get help. Do not look back and do not try to help me. The best thing he could do is get the authorities. I figure that I should be able to occupy even 3 or 4 guys for 30 seconds or so to allow him time to flee. If I can get to my gun or knife maybe even have a chance to end the situation (in close combat you would be suprised how fast a double edged switchblade can turn a 3 on 1 fight into an unfair fight for the 3).

Maybe this makes me a little paranoid but I like to call it prepared. I just never want to be in a position of having to say "if only I had done this or prepared for that maybe my loved one would still be here".

Whenever we go out (like last night for karaoke) I have noticed I always set a plan with my partner after checking out the layout of where we are that night. I plan things like what we would do if seperated and what I would want him to do in case of an armed assailant. I decide where I would like him to go and tell him to do so immedialtely if I tell him to make himself scarce,

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Seems like alot of crap for an enjoyable night dancing and drinking. Relax a little. If you have to create a tactical plan with your buddy everytime you enter a room in public, you need to move to a different town.

Nope, I'm in condition yellow when I go out. But I don't need to devise a plan for every place I go to. Sorta takes the fun out of life to constantly plan and be worried of the "what if."

I do sit facing the door, or sit where the right side (strongside) faces a wall. But I don't stress over tactically planning out every exit, every cover or whatnot to every place I go. There's no need to.

PlayboyPenguin : I agree this is why I keep a thermonuclear weapon ready at all times and a tomahawk....always keep both in the car...keep a skateboard in there too and a baseball bat, not to mention a backpack full of survival supplies. Maybe I am a little paranoid or prepared.

Do you mean the missle type or the scalping type? if the prior you must have a big trunk.

Seriosly though. All this takes about 5 seconds to do. All it takes is a quick survey of your surrounding then you are set for the night. I had so many trainers in the military (MI division) tell us so many times to never be anywhere that you did not know the best way out of if things went bad.

Since my "going out partners" are usualy my wife, kids, her sisters and their families, I do not think discussing evac plans or SD plans with them everywhere we go would go over well. I think even my B-I-L the lifetime cop would be a little weirded out. Usually I am the only one who KNOWS I am carrying.

I do insist on sitting back to the wall though, and usually remain aware of the surroundings. Past that, I just enjoy myself.

PlayboyPenguin said: (in close combat you would be suprised how fast a double edged switchblade can turn a 3 on 1 fight into an unfair fight for the 3)

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Do you mean to say you carry a double edged switchblade?

shield20 said: I do insist on sitting back to the wall though

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This practice has been debated amongst our trainers and study group. We've found sitting up against a wall tends to be the equivalent of backing oneself into a corner, and rarely works out well in sims. Sitting in a location that allows one more movement choices seems to work out better.

Anyone else do this?

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So no, I do not do this. I tend to hold that I'll deal with whatever happens as I need to.

There is a very thin line between being prepared and paranoia and I think, in this thread at least, paranoia has the upper hand. Being prepared to exit every building to the point of giving instructions (orders, if you will) to your partner is waaaaay beyond being able to enjoy life. Sure there are those who would make your life miserable if given the opportunity, but to be walking the razor's edge every minute of every day is stupid! If it is going to happen, it is going to happen. Chill and enjoy life a little.

I carry a pro-tech Godfather every day. Completely legal here in Oregon but now I guess you are going to tell me how I and every knife dealer in Oregon are wrong about that.

This practice has been debated amongst our trainers and study group. We've found sitting up against a wall tends to be the equivalent of backing oneself into a corner, and rarely works out well in sims.

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I agree with this. That is why I said "do not sit with yourback to the door" and not "with your back to a wall".

I don't make up any tactical plans for being attacked, etc. but ever since that nightclub fire (in MASS. or Rhode Island?) a few years ago, I do tend to make note of where the exits are and make sure my wife does, too.

I don't think this is as unusual as it would first seem. As PlayboyP says it only takes a few seconds. Like most habits the procedure becomes quicker with practice. Having "what to do" understood ahead of time can prevent a lot of confusion in a stressful situation. I'm not always as vigilant as PlayboyP but that's due to my being lazy not because I don't think it's a good idea. It also doesn't have to ruin the fun of the occasion as I think many of the members here probably enjoy thinking "tactically". Whenever I've spoken to my partner (wife) about safety and security from crime etc. she lets me know in no uncertain terms that she expects me to make sure I have whatever tools an tactics are necessary to deal with any likely situation. (Which is nice as I've used it as an excuse to purchase a number of useful toys. )

Just as important as maintaining situational awareness vis-á-vis exits and room geometry its a good idea to keep an eye on the people nearby to know from who the major threats may come.

PlayboyPenguin said: I carry a pro-tech Godfather every day. Completely legal here in Oregon but now I guess you are going to tell me how I and every knife dealer in Oregon are wrong about that.

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I thought that was a picture of a switchblade you posted a few days ago. I just didn't say anything then.

It wouldn't be the first time a knife or gun dealer make an incorrect assertion. But, since its just you and I here, I'll ask you how you square that with your state's law:

166.240 Carrying of concealed weapons. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, any person who carries concealed upon the person any knife having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force, any dirk, dagger, ice pick, slungshot, metal knuckles, or any similar instrument by the use of which injury could be inflicted upon the person or property of any other person, commits a Class B misdemeanor.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section applies to any peace officer as defined in ORS 133.005, whose duty it is to serve process or make arrests. Justice courts have concurrent jurisdiction to try any person charged with violating any of the provisions of subsection (1) of this section. [Amended by 1977 c.454 §1; 1985 c.543 §2; 1989 c.839 §21; 1999 c.1040 §15]

A few states' permits cover concealed weapons, to include knives. Oregon is not one of them. Additionally, it, as well as other states, has passed statutory laws specifically identifying certain classes of weapons as prohibited from carry. Noticeably, OR is silent on "bowie knives" and blade length. Many states define and prohibit those from carry.

Once again bullfrog, you are completely wrong. Oregon is one of the few states that allow fully automatic knives. The only requirement is that it be visible at all times. That is why it wear it clipped on my pocket so the top is visible.

This is simply a distortion of facts and misinformation, the statute you are quoting involves "concealed carry" only... not open carry of a pocket knife. In fact I just called my local sheriff's office and they stated the same thing I just told you. I am sure you just didn't take this into account when you read this.

They said as long as it is visible it is legal. If I carry it inside my pocket it is considered "concealed" and then it is a violation. Even then it is only a class b misdemeanor.

I like my Gerber auto, the thumb stud can be snagged on the pants which allows a simultaneous draw/opening. Haven't had any trouble with the police yet, I've even shown it to a couple of 'em.

Back to the original question, yeah, I always scan a room on entering. I don't necessarily devise an elaborate plan of attack/escape since plans have a way of falling apart under pressure anyway. However, I ALWAYS scan the room for obstacles, exits, and improvised weapons. More importantly, I always scan the room for people who's body language and mannerisms indicate trouble. Other people's experiences may vary, but when in public places I'm usually able to ID troublesome folks before trouble begins. Anyone who's worked as a bouncer or security guard should understand this concept well.

So sure, maybe you are a little paranoid. So what, better to be paranoid than unprepared. The hard part is finding a balance between being well prepared and still being able to relax and enjoy yourself. Your own thresholds are likely to be different than mine.

The problem with carrying a knife in the pocket is that if you wear a jacket that covers the top of the knife or your shirt becomes untucked and covers the knife, it's now considered concealed.
Usually all I do is to make sure to know where the exits are.

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